SHLD vs. IDEF

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) and IDEF (iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds. SHLD is passively managed, while IDEF is actively managed. Over the past year, SHLD returned 4.31% vs 18.11% for IDEF. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SHLD charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for IDEF.

Performance

SHLD vs. IDEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) and iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SHLD achieves a -6.48% return, which is significantly lower than IDEF's 3.06% return.

SHLD

• 1D: -2.74%
• 1M: -7.00%
• YTD: -6.48%
• 6M: -8.11%
• 1Y: 4.31%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IDEF

• 1D: -1.92%
• 1M: -3.25%
• YTD: 3.06%
• 6M: 1.17%
• 1Y: 18.11%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

SHLD vs. IDEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-6.48%	18.35%
IDEF iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF	3.06%	21.50%

Correlation

The correlation between SHLD and IDEF is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 21, 2025	0.88

The correlation between SHLD and IDEF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

SHLD vs. IDEF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SHLD	IDEF
Industrials	87.8%	85.4%
Technology	12.2%	11.7%
Basic Materials	-	0.5%
Communication Services	-	0.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	1.0%
Financial Services	-	0.1%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	0.3%

Return for Risk

SHLD vs. IDEF — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 10
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 10
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 10

IDEF

IDEF Risk / Return Rank: 24
IDEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
IDEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
IDEF Omega Ratio Rank: 22
IDEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
IDEF Martin Ratio Rank: 23

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

SHLD vs. IDEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) and iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	SHLD	IDEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.18	0.82	-0.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.43	1.30	-0.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.15	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.19	1.23	-1.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.50	2.92	-2.42

SHLD vs. IDEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SHLD Sharpe Ratio is 0.18, which is lower than the IDEF Sharpe Ratio of 0.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SHLD and IDEF, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

SHLD vs. IDEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SHLD drawdown since its inception was -22.34%, which is greater than IDEF's maximum drawdown of -14.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SHLD and IDEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	SHLD	IDEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.34%	-14.78%	-7.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-22.34%	-14.78%	-7.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.34%	-13.71%	-8.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.46%	-4.26%	+0.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.58%	6.22%	+2.36%

Volatility

SHLD vs. IDEF - Volatility Comparison

Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) and iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF) have volatilities of 9.03% and 8.84%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SHLD	IDEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.03%	8.84%	+0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.23%	18.96%	+1.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.76%	22.13%	+2.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.35%	21.60%	-0.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.35%	21.60%	-0.25%

SHLD vs. IDEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

SHLD has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than IDEF's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

SHLD vs. IDEF - Dividend Comparison

SHLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.59%, more than IDEF's 0.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
IDEF iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF	0.34%	0.17%	0.00%	0.00%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.59%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SHLD and IDEF in my portfolio?

SHLD and IDEF have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SHLD or IDEF?

SHLD has higher volatility (9.03%) compared to IDEF (8.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SHLD dropped -22.34% vs IDEF's -14.78%.

Which ETF is better, SHLD or IDEF?

On 1-year performance, IDEF leads with 18.11% vs 4.31% for SHLD. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, IDEF has been the lower-risk option at 8.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SHLD or IDEF?

Over the 1-year period, IDEF has performed better with a 18.11% return vs 4.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SHLD or IDEF?

SHLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for IDEF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SHLD or IDEF?

SHLD has the higher dividend yield at 0.59%, compared with 0.34% for IDEF.

What is the main difference between SHLD and IDEF?

They also come from different issuers: Global X and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for SHLD and 0.55% for IDEF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IDEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.82 vs 0.18), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.